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Chief Ambassadors

Get to know us.

At Western Reserve Academy, we feel the best way for prospective students to learn about life here on campus is through our current students. Our Chief Ambassadors are students who will show you everything WRA has to offer, and share with you their own experiences at WRA.

Abby '18 | Grosse Ile, Michigan

After I finished my freshman year at a public high school in Michigan, I decided to apply to WRA to better my education and surroundings. At WRA, I took a second freshman year in order to get the full, four-year experience. I can now say making the decision to switch to Reserve was something I will forever be grateful for. Reserve fosters a close-knit community offering a very good support system. Whether it is a coach, a teacher or a classmate, everybody here has shown interest in my success as a student, athlete and person. Another great thing that I have noticed during my time here is that the opportunities are endless at Reserve. There are a tremendous amount of clubs to join as well as many different art programs to enroll in. I also enjoy the athletic programs because each team feels like its own family. My teammates always push me to be my very best. Not only does this encouragement happen in athletics, but it is also very evident in the classroom. I admire how interested the teachers are in each of their students and how readily available they are to help. Reserve has opened many new doors for me and I am beyond thankful for the relationships and the unforgettable memories that I have made here.

Abigail '19 | Akron, Ohio

During middle school, the high-school search process seemed to last forever. I found myself feeling stuck shadowing at schools that all seemed so similar. It was not until good family friends and alumni of WRA encouraged me to visit Reserve that my path took a change. Instantly, I fell in love with the academic community on my very first visit. There is a feeling that Reserve radiates that is like no other school and truly the perfect environment to grow and learn. The connection between students and faculty is nurturing and as a day-student, it has become my second family. The opportunities here are endless. As an ELISA Scholar, I spent a month in Italy studying Latin and this opportunity was life changing. I am grateful for the integration of arts, sciences, sports and friendships. Being able to continue my violin studies, while learning lab skills in cancer immunology, studying Latin and a wide array of other fantastic opportunities and extracurricular clubs such as Model UN is what I love about Reserve. I am proud to be a Pioneer and so excited to see where my Reserve experience will take me!

Afnan '19 | Akron, Ohio

Ever since first hearing about Western Reserve Academy in fourth grade, I’ve wanted to come here for high school. In middle school, I’d hear countless stories of how amazing of a place WRA was from students who attended. When I shadowed in eighth grade, I had very high expectations for Reserve which were not only met but completely surpassed. The beautiful campus, vibrant social life, and challenging academics had won me over. Although I applied to three other independent schools around the area, I knew that Reserve was where I wanted to be. None of the other schools had the welcoming sense of community that I felt at Reserve. Even as a freshman, I never felt nervous or out of place because of the warm smiles I’d receive from all the students I’d walk past on Brick Row. While at WRA, I have met incredible people, started my own club, and grown so much as a student. I am grateful for all the opportunities that Reserve has given me.

Alex '18 | Hudson, Ohio

Beginning the high school search back in eighth grade, I was very particular about what I wanted in the school I would attend for the next four years. As I did my research and visited Western Reserve Academy, all of my standards were met and surpassed. The sense of community, as well as support and respect, I experienced just within that one short visit was enough to win me over. I could immediately picture myself as a Pioneer and knew this place would be one I eventually called home. My excitement to be a part of the Reserve community only grew as I learned more of the opportunities I would be exposed to in the following years. Reserve has allowed me to develop, mature and explore myself in a supportive environment filled with people who care and want to help me succeed.

Alexis '18 | Lake Forest, Illinois

My mother, aunts, uncles and cousins have all attended Western Reserve Academy. I grew up visiting my family members and learning all about WRA. When it was time for me to decide on where to go to high school, Reserve was on the top of my mind. After visiting as a prospective student, I knew that this is where I wanted to go. The community at Reserve is not like any other school's and that is what really drew me to here. Everyone here is always looking out for you and pushing you to do your best. I participate in varsity tennis and have been in our Honors Dance program for four years. I am very thankful for being able to live on this campus and attend such a wonderful school.

Angela '18 | Stow, Ohio

When I was in first grade my dad’s friend introduced him to Western Reserve Academy, and immediately my parents wanted me and my sister to come here. They began to tell me how beautiful the campus is, and how excellent the academics are. I was never sold on the idea of attending WRA until I visited the school. I quickly noticed the close community, and everyone’s bright and compassionate personalities. I learned that this school is a place for students to grow and become who they are. Now that I am in my third year at Reserve, I can say that I have never regretted my decision to come here. This school has helped me try activities that I never thought I would, and has introduced me to incredible, and friendly people. WRA’s sports requirements, ECHO modules and its open performing arts program are just some of the things that have forced me to leave my comfort zone and experience new activities. All the lessons I have learned, and memories I have made here at Reserve will stick with me forever.

Ben '18 | Evergreen, Colorado

WRA has been a part of my family before my high school experience even began. Both my parents, and my aunt and uncle attended WRA. I have been visiting campus and sports events for years and I knew this was the place for me. The moment I stepped on campus for the first time, and during my freshman year I was very excited to be here. My parents told me of the traditions held at WRA and how tightly-knit the community was. I was amazed to see the community was just as it was when my parents graduated. Reserve has lead me to be an independent young man. I am a member of the varsity lacrosse, hockey and soccer teams. As a boarder, I am able to establish relationships with teachers and classmates that I would not have had at any other school. I board with my best friends and live on a beautiful campus. I am thankful for WRA and the opportunity it has given me.

Brigie '18 | Westlake, Ohio

If you were to ask me three years ago where I would be attending high school, my response would not have been WRA. Now, if you were to ask me if I was happy with my decision to attend WRA, there would not be enough time in the world for me to explain the love I have for Reserve. When I arrived on campus, I was immediately taken by its beauty. Having the opportunity to shadow a student, walk in her footsteps and view the campus through her eyes was a completely transforming experience for me. The Reserve community differed from my other school choices by one of life’s simplest actions: A smile! As I walked around trying to take it all in, I was greeted by everyone as if I had known them for years — and that was the deciding factor for me. You grow a lot in four years and I am glad the WRA community has been my companion through it all. If asked to identify what I love most about WRA, my response would definitely be the warm, welcoming community. I am honored and forever grateful for the opportunities, friendship and family to which Reserve has welcomed me.

Calum '18 | Houston, Texas

WRA was one of the 10 boarding school I applied to, I was immediately drawn to it because of the sense of community and everyone's kindness. Nowhere else I looked struck me like WRA. I came as a new sophomore and barely had time to be nervous because everyone helped me fit in so quickly. The academics and athletics have helped me manage my time and enjoy my high school experience more. I know I made the right decision when I came for the first day of preseason and I still think that way today.

Hayley '19 | Erie, Pennsylvania

Reserve stood out to me among other boarding and private schools because of the strong sense of community. Immediately after starting, I felt a part of the family. Coming to Reserve was my first time living without my parents, but everyone went out of their way to help integrate me into the community. I love boarding because I’ve been privileged to create so many relationships through it. I’ve never been surrounded by so many people that truly care about me and want me to succeed. As a prefect, I’m excited to have the opportunity to help others excel. Because of Reserve, I’ve grown into an independent and caring person. Reserve has always been the right choice for me. I’m truly thankful to be a part of such a wonderful community on such a beautiful campus.

Max '18 | Seoul, South Korea

Ever since first hearing about Western Reserve Academy in fourth grade, I’ve wanted to come here for high school. In middle school, I’d hear countless stories of how amazing of a place WRA was from students who attended. When I shadowed in eighth grade, I had very high expectations for Reserve which were not only met but completely surpassed. The beautiful campus, vibrant social life, and challenging academics had won me over. Although I applied to three other independent schools around the area, I knew that Reserve was where I wanted to be. None of the other schools had the welcoming sense of community that I felt at Reserve. Even as a freshman, I never felt nervous or out of place because of the warm smiles I’d receive from all the students I’d walk past on Brick Row. While at WRA, I have met incredible people, started my own club, and grown so much as a student. I am grateful for all the opportunities that Reserve has given me.

Nita '18 | Macedonia, Ohio

When I was first applying to high schools, Reserve was not on my list. I ended up shadowing because many of my friends and their families had so many good stories to tell about the school. I came to campus with no expectations, but by the end of the day I knew that Western Reserve Academy was the place for me. My transition into high school was extremely easy and fun at times. Teachers and advisors constantly push you to step out of your comfort zone in order to help you expand your horizons and figure out what you truly love to do. It is because of this encouragement that WRA will always be a part of my life and has helped me become the person I am today.

Peter '18 | Hudson, Ohio

WRA has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember (my mom works at the John D. Ong Library). It was not until my shadow day that I realized I wanted to join the Reserve community. Here, I am surrounded by passionate, engaged teachers and students who want to learn and challenge themselves. The tight-knit community and small class sizes have given me the confidence to move beyond my comfort zone. I have tried new sports, joined clubs I never knew existed and even campaigned for (and won) a class elected office. I have made friends from around the world not only through the active and visible international student community, but also when I studied as an exchange student in Germany. Through many activities and opportunities here, I was able to program and design a video game for the App Store, learn to fly a drone, play drums in two musicals, build and break bridges with the Model Bridge Building Club, and write music reviews and opinion pieces for the Reserve Record school newspaper. I love being a student at a school that does not end when classes are dismissed each day. The opportunity to get extra help from, or even spend time debating issues with, the faculty without leaving campus is one-of-a-kind. I can always find friends to study with or find a quiet place to read. The weekends have fun activities on and off campus. WRA has given me countless opportunities to grow my character, challenge my intellect and expand my worldview.

Simran '19 | Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia

Being from all the way across the globe, I think of Reserve as my home away from home. After looking at and visiting schools all over the world, I knew Reserve was the one for me. The switch from waking up on the Persian Gulf every morning to freezing weather was a vast difference, but one I will always be thankful for. Being a boarder and a prefect in a freshman dorm has helped me establish wonderful relationships with the faculty and friendships with people who I now call my best friends. Reserve is the center of my life, and I know it will always remain a big part in my life. I love meeting and getting to know new people, and I am thankful that Western Reserve Academy has given me multiple opportunities to do so.

Tia '18 | Akron, Ohio

When I was a kid, I never thought I would end up at Western Reserve Academy. The overwhelming challenges that I heard I would face at Reserve daunted me. However, my whole perspective changed when my older brother started at Reserve in 2011. Everyone I met in the community was genuine, made me feel at home, and helped me understand what truly a special place WRA is. Now that I am here, I can say that the endless opportunities and supportive community of Reserve has helped shape the person who I am today. I have been encouraged to step out of my comfort zone and try new things. I have made meaningful connections with both my mentors and peers, who are always there to help me. And I have created countless memories with lifelong friends that I am sure will stick with me long after graduation.

Tianhe '19 | Nanjin, China

Coming from China, I started a brand new chapter of my life as a WRA student. Never before have I attended a school where all classes are taught in English; never before have I been friends with any American people; never before have I lived without my parents. It is a challenging transformation, but the supportive WRA community makes it extremely easy for me. My teachers, my advisor, and my dorm parents are always there to help. They meet me outside of the classroom for academic support and invite me to their houses for dinner. The close-knit student body also makes every single student feel at home. Older students help younger students with the new dorm life. Everyone engages and intellectually challenges each other in class. A variety of weekend activities also gives students a chance to have fun and relax together. Students also take advantage of the leadership opportunities, summer programs, and independent studies that Reserve offers. This year is my third year at Reserve. Looking back, I’m extremely thankful for all the care and opportunities reserve has offered. Looking forward, I’m excited to explore more and make new memories of my ongoing Reserve life.